The United States went to the World Cup with an unenviable task: Try to advance out of a group that included one of the two best players in the world, one of the three best teams in the world, and the team that bounced the United States out of the last two World Cups.

But the United States defied the odds, and made it out of the "Group of Death," thanks to the efforts of players you may never had heard of before the tournament began.

Although the United States is out of the 2014 World Cup, your thirst for soccer doesn't have to disappear.

When the players return home, many will join their MLS teams already in season, while others rest up for the start of international club soccer.

Which players should you follow as we start the trek towards the 2018 World Cup in Russia? The Sporting News has the answers.

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1

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Jozy Altidore - Forward, 24

WC Moment: Unfortunately, going down with a hamstring injury in the first half against Ghana.

Where to find him: Sunderland (Premier League)

Will I see him in 2018? Yes. Barring a decline in skill or serious injury, Altidore is one of the most talented forwards at the United States' disposal and is expected to be on the roster in 2018.

2

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Michael Bradley - Midfield, 26

WC Moment: Following a subpar performance against Ghana, Bradley put together a strong 89 minutes against Portugal. Unfortunately, a stoppage time error led to Portugal's late equalizer which crushed the hearts of American fans.

Where to find him: Toronto FC (MLS)

Will I see him in 2018? Yes. Despite a shaky performance in Brazil, Bradley is likely to be a part of the 2018 squad.

3

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John Brooks - Defense, 21

WC Moment: After being eliminated by Ghana in the previous two World Cups, the newcomer broke the curse in the 86th minute in the team's opener, which lead to the United States' only win in group play.

Where to find him: Hertha BSC Berlin (Bundesliga)

Will I see him in 2018? Yes. The athletic Brooks should be in position to log solid minutes in 2018 if his game continues to develop.

4

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Clint Dempsey - Forward, 31

WC Moment: Scoring the fastest goal in U.S. World Cup history then suffering a broken nose just minutes later. Dempsey then scored the would-be game-winning goal against Portugal in the 81st minute.

Where to find him: Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Will I see him in 2018? Perhaps, but maybe not. He will be 35 in 2018, so starting at forward is out of the question. But there might be room for him as a late sub off the bench.

5

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Tim Howard - Goalkeeper, 35

WC Moment: Everything. Howard was the United States' best player throughout the entire World Cup. He was the rock, particularly in the loss to Belgium. He was the wall. The results would have been significantly different if he were not in net.

Where to find him: Everton (Premier League)

Will I see him in 2018: It's not out of the realm of possibility. He will be 39 which is ancient for field players, but not for goalies. However, the U.S. does have a deep goalie pool which may play against him in four years. Regardless, Howard will go down as the greatest goalkeeper in U.S. soccer history.

6

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Jermaine Jones - Midfield, 32

WC Moment: His equalizer against Portugal was just what the United States needed after giving up an early goal. His play in the back was stout the entire tournament considering the level of competition he faced.

Where to find him: Besiktas (Turkish Super Lig)

Will I see him in 2018? No. It is highly unlikely you will see a 36-year-old Jermaine Jones at the 2018 World Cup.

7

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Julian Green – Midfield, 19

WC Moment: Green made his only World Cup appearance in extra time against Belgium and made an immediate impact with a goal, despite a great deal of criticism over his inclusion on the U.S. roster.

Where to find him: Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)

Will I see him in 2018? It's likely. He flashed some serious skills and is the youngest member of this roster at just 19 years old.

8

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The rest of the US

DaMarcus Beasley – M, 32, Puebla F.C. (Liga MXBK)

Kyle Beckerman – M, 32, Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Alejandro Bedoya – M, 27, FC Nantes (Ligue 1)

Matt Besler – D, 27, Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Geoff Cameron – D, 28, Stoke City (Premier League)

Tim Chandler – D, 24, Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)

Brad Davis – M, 32, Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Mix Diskerud – M, 23, Rosenborg (Tippeligaen)

Omar Gonzalez – D, 25, LA Galaxy (MLS)

Brad Guzan - G, 29, Aston Villa (Premier League)

Aron Johannsson – F, 23, AZ Alkmaar (Eredivisie)

Fabian Johnson – D, 26, Borussia Monchengladbach (Bundesliga)

Nick Rimando – G, 35, Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Chris Wondolowski - F, 31, San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

DeAndre Yedlin – D, 20, Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Graham Zusi - M, 27, Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

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How to watch

Barclays Premier League (UK): August to May NBCSN (Saturdays & Sundays), NBC Live Extra (Online)

Bundesliga (Germany): August to May GolTV (Fridays)

La Liga (Spain): August to June beIN SPORT (Saturdays & Sundays)

Ligue 1 (France): August to May beIN SPORT (Saturdays & Sundays)

Major League Soccer (USA): March to October ESPN, ESPN2 and Fox Sports 1 (Sundays), Univision (Fridays), ESPN3 (Online)

Serie A (Italy): September to May beIN SPORT (Saturdays & Sundays)

UEFA Champions League (Europe): August to May Fox Sports 1 (Wednesdays & Thursdays)

UEFA Europa League (Europe): August to May Fox Sports 2 (Thursdays), ESPN3 (Online)